Crown Lengthening - Arlington, TX

Embarrassed by a Gummy Smile?

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Restore Balance and Esthetics

A persistent “gummy” smile can lead to ongoing self-consciousness, making you hesitant to express yourself openly through talking, smiling, and laughing. If you’re ready to address the issue of small teeth and regain your confidence, consider our customized crown lengthening surgery at DFW Implant Center in Arlington, TX!

Leading periodontist, Dr. Farhad Boltchi specializes in soft tissue treatments and boasts extensive experience in enhancing smiles for both health and aesthetics. Learn more about this precise and long-lasting treatment to restore your confidence and create a beautifully balanced smile by dialing 817-663-4704 if you’re a new patient or 817-467-7731 if you’re current. 

dental patient consultation

Common Causes of a "Gummy" Smile

A “gummy” smile occurs when there is an excessive amount of tissue visible when smiling. As a result, not enough tooth structure shows, making them look too small and your smile unbalanced. A smile that’s too gummy can be caused by various factors. Common causes include:

  • Naturally Occurring Excessive Gum Tissue: Sometimes, individuals naturally have more gum tissue covering their teeth, creating a gummy appearance when smiling.
  • Hyperactive Upper Lip: If the upper lip lifts too high when smiling, it can expose more gum tissue than usual.
  • Short Teeth: Teeth that are shorter than average may be covered by a greater proportion of gum tissue, contributing to a smile with extra gum tissue.
  • Abnormal Tooth Eruption: Teeth that don’t erupt fully can appear shorter and be covered by excess gum tissue.
  • Overgrowth of the Upper Jaw: A discrepancy in the growth of the upper jaw can result in more gum tissue being visible.
  • Muscle Hyperactivity: Overactive facial muscles, particularly those in the upper lip, can contribute to a smile with too much gum tissue.
  • Genetic Factors: Genetic predisposition can play a role in the development of a smile with too much extra tissue.

Fortunately, undergoing a crown lengthening surgery with Dr. Boltchi can address these issues, making the entire gum line more aesthetically pleasing.

What is Crown Lengthening?

Crown lengthening, also known as crown extension, is a common procedure in modern dentistry, aimed at adjusting the gum and bone level to expose more of a tooth’s surface. Crown lengthening procedures address issues like a “gummy” smile or prepare a tooth for restorative work, such as placing a new crown. The process involves removing excess gum tissue or bone tissue to reveal more of the tooth, creating a better balance between the teeth and gums. 

The Benefits of Crown Lengthening

gummy smile

Crown lengthening offers several benefits, addressing both aesthetic and functional concerns in dentistry. Some of the key advantages of crown lengthening procedures include:

  • Improved Aesthetics: Crown lengthening can enhance the appearance of the smile by reducing the amount of tissue visible, creating a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing look.
  • Preparation for Restorations: This surgical solution provides better access to the tooth structure, making it easier to place a dental crown, bridge, or other restoration. This is particularly beneficial when a tooth needs a more exposed surface for proper restoration placement.
  • Functional Restoration: In cases where tooth decay or damage extends below the gum line, crown lengthening allows for the removal of affected tissue, facilitating the restoration of a tooth’s functionality.
  • Orthodontic Adjustments: Crown extension may be recommended as part of orthodontic treatment plans to expose more tooth surfaces for proper alignment and positioning of teeth.
  • Treatment of Periodontal Infections: This procedure can be used to access and treat issues related to gum disease, as it allows for better visualization and cleaning of the tooth and root surfaces.
  • Improved Oral Health: By removing places where excess bacteria might accumulate and allowing for better access during dental procedures, crown extension helps prevent infection, tooth decay, and other oral issues. This contributes to improved oral hygiene and long-term oral health.
Dr. Boltchi

Why Choose Dr. Boltchi: The Gum Specialist

Your gum health is pivotal to a beautiful and healthy smile. Performing crown extension requires not only the expertise to remove the right amount of tissue but also the finesse to enhance natural aesthetics, considering each patient’s unique smile and lip line. This specialized treatment is uniquely mastered by periodontists, as they possess the specific qualifications and training essential for consistently achieving excellent results. 

Our Arlington periodontist, Dr. Boltchi, having undergone extensive advanced training, stands as an authority in comprehensive soft tissue treatments. This expertise sets us apart from other specialists and dentists, allowing us to blend precision artistry with technical skill, ensuring smiles that are not just attractive but also balanced and functional.

crown lengthening patient smiling

The Crown Lengthening Process

Consultation

Before the crown lengthening procedure, you’ll attend a consultation with Dr. Boltchi at DFW Implant Center. During this appointment, your Arlington periodontist will examine your oral health, discuss your medical history and concerns, answer questions, and determine if crown extension is the appropriate solution for your needs. Dr. Boltchi will also explain the procedure, answer any questions you may have about oral surgery, and create a personalized treatment plan based on your unique situation.

Preparation

On the day of the crown lengthening procedure, you will be administered local anesthesia to numb the area, ensuring a comfortable experience. Dr. Boltchi may also discuss sedation dentistry options to help you relax during the procedure, depending on your preferences and the complexity of the case.

Crown Lengthening

Once the local anesthetic is working, and you’re comfortably numbed and relaxed, Dr. Boltchi will begin the crown lengthening procedure. Using precise techniques, excess tissue on the gums is carefully removed to expose more of the natural tooth without damaging gum tissues that are necessary for protecting your smile. He’ll sculpt the gum line to achieve a harmonious balance between your teeth and gums, optimizing both aesthetics and functionality. Dr. Boltchi’s expertise in soft tissue treatments ensures the procedure is performed with precision.

Crown Lengthening Aftercare Guidelines

After undergoing your oral surgery, proper aftercare is essential for a smooth recovery. Follow these guidelines to promote healing and ensure the success of the procedure:

  • Post-Operative Care Instructions: Adhere to any specific post-operative instructions provided by your periodontist. Take prescribed or over-the-counter medications as directed, including any antibiotics or pain relievers.
  • Managing Discomfort: Expect some discomfort and swelling, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications recommended by your periodontist. Apply an ice pack to the treated area in intervals to reduce facial swelling.
  • Oral Hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene but avoid brushing or flossing directly around the surgical site for the first few days. Brush carefully and use a prescribed antimicrobial rinse or saltwater solution for gentle rinsing.
  • Diet Modification: Stick to soft foods or a liquid diet initially, reintroducing solid foods as comfort allows. Avoid spicy, acidic, or hot foods that may irritate the healing gums.
  • Physical Activity: Limit strenuous physical activities for the first few days to minimize bleeding and promote healing.
  • Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with Dr. Boltchi for evaluations and necessary adjustments. Communicate any concerns or unusual symptoms promptly.
  • Monitor Healing Progress: Keep an eye on the healing progress, looking for signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, or persistent pain). Contact DFW Implant Center promptly if you experience bleeding, serious pain, or any other post-operative issues.
  • Resume Normal Oral Care Gradually: Slowly reintroduce regular brushing and flossing once advised by Dr. Boltchi, taking care not to disturb the surgical area.
  • Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet rich in nutrients to support healing. Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol consumption, as they can hinder the healing process.

Frequently Asked Questions

In some cases, insurance may cover the procedure if it is deemed medically necessary, such as for addressing periodontal disease or facilitating restorative work. However, if the procedure is for cosmetic reasons, insurance may not provide coverage. It’s essential to check with your insurance provider and consult with your periodontist to understand the specifics of your coverage and explore potential financing options.

Periodontists employ precise techniques to minimize scarring at the surgical site. In many cases, any residual scarring is typically minor and not easily noticeable. Ask your periodontist for before and after photos of patients who have undergone crown extension with them, to get a better idea of what your final result will look like. 

The duration of the procedure varies based on the complexity and the number of teeth involved. Generally, it can take anywhere from one to two hours. Your periodontist will give you a more accurate breakdown of the time during your consultation. 

Recovery time varies from person to person, but most individuals can expect some initial discomfort and swelling for a few days. Complete healing may take several weeks, during which post-operative care is crucial.

Take the First Step Towards Your Confident Smile!

It’s time to reclaim your confidence and achieve a beautifully balanced smile. Don’t let a smile with too much tissue hold you back—schedule a consultation today by calling 817-663-4704 if you’re a new patient or 817-467-7731 if you’re a current patient. Take the next step on your journey to improved oral health and a confident, radiant smile with the dedicated team at DFW Implant Center. We serve new and returning patients from Arlington and surrounding areas such as Irving, Fort Worth, and Grapevine, TX. 

Erase your gummy smile.

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